Singapore’s love affair with gelato shows no signs of slowing down. What was once a niche dessert option has evolved into a full-blown scene, with gelaterias across the island pushing boundaries through premium ingredients, inventive flavour pairings, and meticulous craftsmanship. From Italian classics made the traditional way to modern interpretations inspired by local tastes, today’s gelato spots offer far more than just a cold treat. Texture, balance, and authenticity now matter just as much as flavour. If you’re on the hunt for the best gelato in Singapore, these ten places stand out for consistently delivering scoops that are rich, satisfying, and worth going out of your way for.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. Burnt Cones Gelato

Burnt Cones has carved out a loyal following with its slightly charred signature cones and thoughtfully churned gelato. What started as a neighbourhood favourite in the West has since expanded islandwide, but quality remains uncompromised. Their gelato is freshly churned daily, with a mix of comforting classics and playful flavours. Standouts include Earl Grey with its pronounced bergamot bitterness that cuts through the creaminess, and Ube made using Philippine purple yam for a naturally sweet, mellow finish. The Stracciatella impresses with its balance, pairing silky milk gelato with crunchy dark chocolate shavings that complement denser desserts like brownies beautifully.
Prices:
- Vanilla: $22
- Ube: $22
- Chrysanthemum Goji: $22
- Pistachio: $25
- Strawberry Sorbet: $22
Highlights:
- Signature lightly charred cones
- Freshly churned gelato with classic and creative flavours
- Well-balanced sweetness that never feels overwhelming
Customer Reviews:
Tommy Ng
Located within NUS, nearest public transportation would be taking the yellow MRT line and alight at Kent Ridge station. Walk towards NUS MD11 and they are located at the entrance. With several outlets around the area, they serve gelato with limited flavors but tastes uniquely good. Their drinks are carefully prepared and served to you. I would recommend to enjoy their gelato with their warm and crispy waffles, you won’t be disappointed. Definitely drop by and support them when you’re in the area.
Ginny Tan
Hidden gem for your late night sugar cravings.
Love the gelato flavours here and it’s so peaceful!
Seoyoung Xu
I’m a big fan of the ice cream here, super recommend this place for a sweet and thick gelato indulgence, especially when pistachio and chocolate flavour.
Website: http://www.burntcones.com/
Contact: 9721 6705
Location: 10 Medical Drive, MD11, #01-40 Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore 117597
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 9:30 PM | Closed on Sundays
2. VENCHI

Venchi may be globally renowned for its chocolates, but its gelato deserves equal attention. Made fresh daily using traditional Italian methods, Venchi’s gelato focuses on purity and depth of flavour. Ingredients include IGP-certified Piedmont hazelnuts, Bronte pistachios, fresh dairy, and their own premium chocolate blends, all without industrial bases. Gelato is stored in metal containers to preserve freshness, and sampling is encouraged, which only heightens the anticipation. Chocolate lovers will gravitate towards options like Chocoviar 75% and Stracciatella, while the Pistachio and Hazelnut showcase just how luxurious nut-based gelato can be when done right.
Prices:
- Mini: $11
- Regular: $12
- Large: $13
Highlights:
- Authentic Italian gelato made fresh daily
- Premium ingredients, including Piedmont hazelnuts
- Exceptional chocolate-forward flavours
Customer Reviews:
Nitika
My once-a-month sweet indulgence ? Venchi truly nails creamy, dreamy flavours! Their new caramel rosemary was unexpectedly rich and crunchy — a perfect contrast. I paired it with dark chocolate, pistachio, and tiramisu, and honestly… it was a scoop of heaven in every bite. Price: $15 for a large cup (could choose 4 flavours) and topping of hazelnut
Muhammad Syahrul
Venchi at Orchard is a true treat! ?? The gelato is rich, creamy, and full of authentic Italian flavour! The staff are friendly and welcoming. A must-visit if you’re at Orchard and craving something sweet! Only the price is expensive.
yasmin atilia
I had an amazing experience here. Jay and the team provided exceptional customer service . they were friendly, patient, and knowledgeable about the flavors, making great recommendations. Their warm and welcoming attitude made the visit even more enjoyable. The ice cream was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious, with a great variety of flavors to choose from. Huge thanks to Jay and the team for making it such a great experience. I’ll definitely be back!
Website: https://www.venchi.sg/
Contact: 6836 5250
Location: B2, 205-2-1, World Confectionery, 391 Orchard Rd, Takashimaya Departmental Store Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Opening Hours: Open Daily: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
3. Tom’s Palette

Tom’s Palette is beloved for its imaginative flavour combinations and comforting textures. Even before stepping inside, the rotating flavour list at the entrance builds excitement. A regular cup allows two flavours, making it perfect for sampling without overindulging. Granny’s Favourite remains a crowd-pleaser, blending chocolate malt gelato with cookie dough and chocolate chips for a nostalgic, Horlicks-like experience. Jamaican Rum & Raisin offers a more grown-up option, featuring raisins steeped in aged rum for a full month. Across the board, the gelato here is smooth, dense, and never overly sweet, allowing each flavour to shine.
Prices:
- Single Cone: $7.20
- Double Cone: $12
- Regular Cup: $5.80
- Large Cup: $10.60
Highlights:
- Creative, nostalgic flavour combinations
- Smooth, dense texture without excess sweetness
- Generous portions ideal for post-meal treats
Customer Reviews:
Jeffrey
Tom’s Palette (Bugis) is a cozy and creative ice cream parlour with a great variety of unique, house-made flavours. The ice cream is smooth, rich, and pairs wonderfully with their freshly made waffles — crisp on the outside and soft inside. The café has a relaxed, artsy vibe and plenty of seating, making it a nice spot to chill with friends. Service is friendly and efficient, though it can get crowded during peak hours. Overall, a delightful dessert stop worth revisiting!
Winikace
Tried the Granny’s favourite, Salted caramel cheesecake, Uji matcha. You get 2 gelato tester per person. Taste 5/5 will come back again
Chen
This is the original home of quirky flavours. I tried their nasi lemak, and nori (seaweed) ice-cream. Very experimental. Happy 20th Anniversary to Tom’s Palette. I have been a fan since their salted egg yolk days at Beach Road. Was upset when I thought they had closed permanently but so happy to see them in their current location and striving.
Website: https://www.tomspalette.com.sg/
Contact: 8815 8054
Location: 51 Middle Rd, #01-01, Singapore 188959
Opening Hours: Monday: 6 PM – 10 PM | Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Friday-Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
4. Birds of Paradise Gelato

A consistent Michelin Guide favourite, Birds of Paradise has become synonymous with botanical-inspired gelato. Using real fruits, flowers, herbs, and spices, the brand creates flavours that feel refined yet approachable. The White Chrysanthemum with Cacao Nibs stands out for its delicate floral notes that resemble chilled chrysanthemum tea, elevated by crunchy cacao nibs. Strawberry Basil offers a refreshing contrast, while the house-made cones, infused with thyme, add another layer of aroma and texture. Every element here feels intentional, from flavour profiles to presentation, making it a must-visit for those seeking something a little different.
Prices:
- Pistachio: $21.50
- White Chrysanthemum: $18.50
- Lychee Raspberry: $18.50
- Midnight Gianduja: $21.50
Highlights:
- Botanical flavours made with natural ingredients
- Michelin Guide–recommended gelato boutique
- Fragrant thyme-infused cones
Customer Reviews:
Gats Lopez (nogatsnoglory)
It was our first time trying. Super thankful for the staff at that time we forgot to get her but she was so helpful in helping us choose what flavors to get. I think we ended up with hazelnut, pistachio, raspberry sorbet and butterfly pea somthing haha i forgot buuuttt the flavors were amazinggg. It was not to heavy. Just the perfect amount. 100/10 would recommend.
Luke Lau
Tried 2 of their best sellers – white chrysanthemum and lychee raspberry – in a thyme cone (total $11.3) and it was very nice. The gelato was decently thick and the taste was strong.
Lavanesan Swaminathan
There are various creative flavours of gelato at Birds of Paradise, which you can get either in a cone or in a cup. This is one of the better, if not the best, gelatos in Singapore that I have tasted. Staff are polite and efficient. Give it a try if you want gelato that is clean and light – you won’t feel exhausted after eating this.
Website: http://birdsofparadise.sg/
Contact: 9678 6092
Location: 63 E Coast Rd, #01-05, Singapore 428776
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Friday-Saturday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
5. Freshio Gelato

Freshio Gelato is known for its warm service, generous sampling, and bold flavours. Upon entering, you’re often handed tastes of popular picks like Pancake, French Vanilla, and Bourbon Dark Chocolate. Pancake delivers a surprisingly accurate maple sweetness reminiscent of breakfast hotcakes, while French Vanilla highlights authentic vanilla bean paste for depth and balance. Beyond scoops, Freshio also serves waffles with fluffy interiors and a toasty finish that pairs well with cold gelato. For something unconventional, their gelato paninis sandwich creamy scoops between brioche before being pressed, creating a satisfying hot-and-cold contrast in every bite.
Prices:
- Pancake: $5
- French Vanilla: $4.50
- Green Apple Sorbetto: $5
- Sicilian Pistachio: $6.80
- Bourbon Dark Chocolate: $6.80
Highlights:
- Extremely generous sampling policy
- Unique gelato paninis with brioche buns
- Relaxed ambience with playful astronaut decor
Customer Reviews:
Lydia Chu
I stopped at Freshio Gelato and had the hazelnut flavor which was very creamy and just the right sweetness. It’s a small place that also sells pizza, coffee, and other desserts. It feels like a mom and pop shop and the people working there were very nice. A lovely spot for a treat.
Prapaporn Limthaweesomkiat
Loved this local gelato shop! The owner is incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. The gelato is delicious, with rich flavors and a really smooth texture. Plus, it’s super affordable for the quality you get. Definitely a place I’ll keep coming back to!
YQ Tan
Ice cream flavours were fantastic. Waffle was chewy! Almost like a min jian kueh. Very nice and unique! Customer service from Uncle Boss was top notch! He was very generous with the samples! Note: Feels like I’m back in the UK, in a local gelato shop!
Website: https://www.freshiogelato.com/
Contact: 6970 0358
Location: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-60 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Thursday-Tuesday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Closed on Wednesdays
6. Pika Poka Gelato

Pika Poka began as an online concept before settling into a cosy Kovan storefront, and its commitment to scratch-made gelato sets it apart. Every recipe is developed in-house, avoiding pre-made bases commonly found elsewhere. This dedication results in gelato that tastes clean and natural, with visible vanilla bean specks, strawberry seeds, and ground pistachio textures. Beyond scoops, Pika Poka also offers beautifully crafted gelato cakes. Options like Cookies & Cream and Strawberry Princess are as visually charming as they are satisfying, making them ideal for celebrations or special occasions involving gelato in Singapore.
Prices:
- Speculoos Gelato: $22.70
- Tsuyu Matcha Chocolate: $22.70
- Signature Dark Chocolate: $22.70
- Mango Pomelo: $22.70
- Tiramisu Gelato Cake: $39.70
Highlights:
- Fully scratch-made gelato recipes
- Visible, real ingredients in every scoop
- Wide selection of handcrafted gelato cakes
Customer Reviews:
Mei Qi
Chance upon this gelato store next to 131 mookata and me and my friend had for dinner!! The ice cream was great! Had sesame and snow & honey comb flavour. It tastes exactly just like the flavour itself. ??
May Chong (MCXN)
Got a scoop of Snow & Honeycomb flavour while my friend got the Black Sesame one. Snow & Honeycomb is really flavourful and accented with honey flavour. My friend appreciates the taste of hers as well. Would love to try the other flavours they have next~
Navaneethakrishnan Selvarasu
Visited this coffee and ice cream shop recently and it was an amazing experience. The coffee, ice cream, and many other items were absolutely perfect. They have a great variety of both hot and cold drinks, and everything tastes really good. Quality is top-notch and the service is excellent. Highly recommended place – definitely worth visiting again!
Website: https://pikapokagelato.com/
Contact: 8863 2640
Location: Blk 28 Kelantan Rd, Singapore 200028
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, Friday: 4 PM – 11:30 PM | Thursday, Saturday-Sunday: 4 PM – 12 AM | Closed on Mondays
7. Yeah Gelato

Originating from Beijing, Yeah Gelato is instantly recognisable for its tall, sculpted scoops and creamy consistency. The brand has expanded rapidly across China and now brings its signature style to Singapore. Pistachio is its hero flavour, featuring a rich, nutty profile topped with golden pistachio dust and crushed nuts mixed throughout. Premium Rice, another standout, offers smoky roasted notes with chewy rice bits for added texture. Alongside premium options, the shop rotates a wide selection of classic flavours daily, all stored in traditional Italian pozzetti tubs to maintain freshness.
Prices:
- Classic Flavour: $7.80
- Gold Flavour: $9.80
- Double Flavour: $10.80
Highlights:
- Viral tall-peak gelato presentation
- Rich pistachio with crushed nut textures
- Large rotating selection of classic flavours
Customer Reviews:
Janelle Chen
Extremely pleasant experience! Gelato was smooth and silky with immense rich flavour that doesn’t feel overpowering. Staff also has very good work ethic, their friendliness and professionalism truly stands out! Kudos to the staff handing out servings of free tasting in the mall, efficient and dedicated ? Will definitely come back to try more flavours
kah yie
Returning customer. Although they market themselves for their pistachio ice cream, they’re kiwi and hawthorns are great as well. Especially after a heavy meal or when you’re looking for something to fix your appetite. They have a b1f1 offer after 9pm everyday but you’d want to head there earlier if you want a particular flavour. Staffs are friendly and helpful. You can have a taste test of the available flavours before you place your order but it runs out fast.
GAT-X105 STRIKE GUNDAM
Great tasting Gelato. Recommend trying out their Pistachio and Durian flavour. Prices are slightly above average however I the taste and service makes up for it. A double scoop costs 10.80 and we were even offered plain water foc.
Website: http://www.yegelato.com/
Contact: 8068 9505
Location: 68 Orchard Rd, #01-K1, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM | Friday-Saturday: 10 AM – 10:30 PM
8. Tofu G Gelato

Tofu G takes a minimalist approach, offering just six flavours at any one time, but each is thoughtfully crafted. Inspired by the Korean symbolism of tofu as a blank slate and a new beginning, tofu becomes the star ingredient here. The original flavour is light, clean, and subtly sweet, while options like Black Sesame and Korean Sweet Potato add depth and nuttiness. Sweet Corn and high-protein tofu flavours are also popular among regulars. Though priced slightly higher, the quality and serene hanok-inspired interior make the experience feel calm, intentional, and worth lingering over.
Prices:
- Soft Serve: $7.50
- Single Scoop (All flavours): $8
Highlights:
- Tofu-based gelato with clean, light flavours
- Minimalist menu focused on quality
- Calm, Korean-inspired interior design
Customer Reviews:
Jing Jie Ng
Premium ice cream served in this cosy spot. At $8 a scoop, slightly on the pricier side but the flavours were well worth it. Free tastings were available and great for first time customers to get a gist of the various flavours available. Enjoyed the sweet corn flavour immensely, corn flavour was intense and enjoyable. The sweet potato was earthy and not as sweet as the sweet corn but still a good option.
SB Lee
Tried Tofu G Gelato at Mandarin Gallery. The gelato is light, creamy and not overly sweet, making it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy. I especially liked the pistachio flavour — well-balanced and nutty. There’s a good variety of flavours, including tofu-based options and seasonal selections.
MC SM
OMG DAMN NICE?!! PLEASE GET THE PISTACHIO FLAVOUR. My partner and I were fighting over the pistachio cup after buying it. Can skip the original tofu, nothing special but still quite good for those who just want something plain and tofuy. We went on a sunday night after dinner and it was crowded but totally worth the hype.
Website: https://www.tofug.sg/
Contact: 8970 6493
Location: 333A Orchard Rd, #03-30 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Opening Hours: Open Daily: 11 AM – 10 PM
9. Messina

Australian cult favourite Gelato Messina has brought its iconic 40-flavour cabinet to Singapore, complete with daily churned gelato and house-made inclusions. Classics like Pistachio Praline, Italian Nougat, and Hokey Pokey sit alongside inventive local exclusives such as Kaya Toast, Teh Tarik, and Tau Huey. The Pistachio Praline is especially memorable, featuring rich pistachio paste folded into fior di latte gelato. Sampling is encouraged, and with rotating weekly flavours, there’s always something new to discover. All scoops are priced equally, making premium flavours more accessible.
Prices:
- Gelato Scoops $8 (1 scoop), $12 (2 scoops), $14 (3 scoops)
- Gelato Tubs: $30 (0.5L tub), $50 (1L tub), $65 (1.5L tub)
Highlights:
- 40-flavour cabinet with rotating specials
- Singapore-exclusive local flavours
- Encourages sampling before ordering
Customer Reviews:
darius
First and foremost, be prepared for the long wait. After the long way, there is a great variety of gelato flavours- from which you are able to try and test out! Would recommend getting the pistacho praline! It is by far the best flavour. Overall, a good gelato store with good flavours. Best to get 3 scoops as the price is better
Amelina Munawar
Random find in the CBD area. Was lucky there was no queue. The ice cream speaks for itself. So good on its own. Pistachio Praline is my new love ?! The amount of chocolate bits in the choc mint is worth every calorie for it! Will definitely cone back for more!
Jeffrey
Messina never disappoints. The gelato is outstanding — we ordered the Pistachio, and it was rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. Space is cosy with limited seating, so be prepared to queue, but the wait is absolutely worth it. A must-visit for serious gelato lovers. ?
Website: https://www.gelatomessina.sg/
Contact: –
Location: 1 Club St, Singapore 069400
Opening Hours: Open Daily: 12 PM – 10 PM
10. Hundred Acre Creamery

Hundred Acre Creamery blends handcrafted gelato with storytelling inspired by the warmth of childhood memories. Every flavour is churned in small batches using natural ingredients, free from artificial colourings or flavourings. The menu ranges from Roasted Pistachio and Honey Chrysanthemum to Hojicha Mochi and Vietnamese coffee. Alongside gelato, their pandan waffles are a standout, offering a chewy, mochi-like texture that pairs beautifully with cold scoops. Pricing is straightforward, with optional add-ons for premium flavours, allowing you to customise your indulgence without overcomplication.
Prices:
- Gelato: $4.5 (Single scoop), $8.5 (Double scoop), $1.3 (Rosemary cone)
- Gelato Takeaway Tub (1 pint): $14++
Highlights:
- Small-batch gelato with natural ingredients
- Mochi-like pandan waffles
- Thoughtful, nostalgic flavour concepts
Customer Reviews:
T greensake
Had Roasted Pistachio ($6), was good! Friendly service, very nice of the staff to serve iced water, much appreciated. Reasonably sized dining area. I’ll be back to try their other flavours on the menu.
Sandra C
First time at this place and the waffle with gelato was amazing! The pandan waffle was definitely the highlight. The texture was perfect – crispy on the outside and chewy inside (as can be seen in the photo!). The pistachio and chrysanthemum gelatos were also rich in flavour. Service was quick and water was also served with the waffle. Definitely my new go to place for gelato or waffles in Sunset Way!
Chen Lin
Really unique rich flavours ice cream flavours to choose from. Personal favourites are the pistachio (top-up required), vanilla biscoff, and seasalt caramel (slightly sweet). The yuzu ice cream is actually really good but its flavour profile does not go well with the waffle. Staffs really sweet to us small cups of plain water as well, overall a very cosy and laid back gelato place 🙂
Website: http://hundredacre.sg/
Contact: 9117 1594
Location: 109 Clementi Street 11, #01-37, Singapore 120109
Opening Hours: Open Daily: 12 PM – 11 PM
BestLah’s Recommendation
With so many excellent gelaterias to choose from, finding the right one comes down to what you’re craving. These three picks break down the best spots based on flavour style and experience.
1. If You Want Refined, Botanical Flavours That Feel “Chef-Led”
Our Pick: Birds of Paradise Gelato
Birds of Paradise is the best choice when you want gelato that tastes carefully composed, not just sweet. Their flavours lean on real herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices, so the experience is more aromatic and layered than a typical scoop run. White Chrysanthemum with Cacao Nibs is a great example: it comes across like chilled chrysanthemum tea turned into gelato, with cacao nibs adding a bitter crunch that keeps it from tasting flat.
Even the cones matter here – the thyme-infused cone amplifies the scent and makes every bite more “complete” than a standard wafer cone. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys flavours that feel balanced, clean, and not overly rich, this is the spot that consistently delivers.
2. If You Want Classic Italian Gelato With Premium Ingredients
Our Pick: VENCHI
Venchi is the one to visit when you care about ingredient quality and you want that unmistakably Italian style; deeply flavoured, smooth, and luxurious without tasting artificially boosted. The difference shows up most clearly in their nut and chocolate flavours: Pistachio and Hazelnut taste intensely nutty (not just “sweet and vaguely nut-like”), while chocolate flavours such as Chocoviar 75% give you a more grown-up, cocoa-forward hit rather than a sugary chocolate milk vibe.
Another plus is the tasting culture where sampling is encouraged, which is especially useful here because the menu can feel premium-pricey, and you’ll want to land on the exact flavours you’ll enjoy most. Choose Venchi when you want a “best version of the classics” experience.
3. If You Want Variety, Fun Local Twists, And Great Value Per Scoop
Our Pick: Messina
Messina is the easy recommendation for indecisive gelato lovers or anyone who treats gelato like an adventure, because the variety is the point. Their cabinet is packed (and rotates), so you can go from dependable staples to Singapore-exclusive flavours in one visit. If you want a safe-but-excellent pick, Pistachio Praline stands out for its rich, nutty base and the extra texture from house-made inclusions – it tastes like it was built to be remembered, not just consumed.
Pricing is also straightforward across flavours, so choosing something “premium” doesn’t feel like a painful upgrade every time. Go to Messina when you want options, sampling, and a high chance of finding a new favourite flavour each visit.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s gelato scene proves that great dessert doesn’t need to be overly complicated. From botanical infusions and heritage Italian techniques to tofu-based innovations and scratch-made recipes, these gelaterias showcase just how diverse and exciting gelato can be. Whether you prefer bold flavours, comforting classics, or something unconventional, there’s a scoop here that will hit the spot.
If your cravings tend to strike after dinner or even closer to midnight, you might also want to explore our guide to the best late-night dessert cafés in Singapore, perfect for satisfying those after-hours sweet tooth moments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2. Is gelato "healthier" for those watching their weight?
Generally, yes. Because gelato uses more milk and less cream, it contains fewer calories and less saturated fat per gram compared to premium ice cream. Additionally, artisanal gelato tends to prioritise fresh fruit and natural nut pastes over artificial flavourings. However, it still contains sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3. Why does my gelato melt so much faster in Singapore compared to other countries?
The rapid melting is due to two main factors:
- Humidity: Singapore’s high humidity causes moisture to condense on the surface of the cold gelato. This process releases "latent heat," which transfers energy to the gelato and speeds up the melting process.
- Lack of Stabilisers: Many artisanal gelaterias avoid heavy emulsifiers and chemical stabilisers found in mass-market tubs. While this improves the taste, it makes the structure more "fragile" in our tropical 30°C+ heat.
4. Is gelato in Singapore usually halal-certified?
While not every gelateria is MUIS halal-certified, many are "Muslim-owned" or "Halal-friendly." You should check for two specific things:
- Alcohol-based Extracts: Some premium vanillas or fruit flavours use alcohol as a solvent.
- Stabilisers: Traditional recipes might use gelatin (which could be animal-derived). Most modern artisanal shops in Singapore use plant-based stabilisers like guar gum or carob bean gum, making them suitable for many dietary requirements.
5. Are there many dairy-free options available locally?
Absolutely. In Singapore, most shops offer Sorbettos (water-based) which are naturally dairy-free and vegan. Common flavours include dark chocolate, mango, and lychee. Additionally, many shops now experiment with nut-based milks (like oat or coconut) to create creamy vegan versions of local favorites like "Kopi" or "Pandan."
6. Why is a scoop of gelato more expensive than a tub of supermarket ice cream?
The price difference reflects the density of the product. Because gelato has significantly less air (overrun), you are getting more "actual food" and less "air" per scoop. Additionally, the cost of ingredients like premium Sicilian pistachios or fresh Mao Shan Wang durian is significantly higher than the artificial flavourings used in mass-produced products.
7. What are the most popular "Singaporean" gelato flavours?
Local gelaterias often bridge Italian techniques with Southeast Asian ingredients. Common local flavours include:
- Durian: Often utilising high-grade Mao Shan Wang or D24 pulp.
- Pandan & Gula Melaka: A classic "Chendol-style" profile.
- Sea Salt Gula Melaka: A local twist on salted caramel.
- Chrysanthemum & Cacao Nibs: A lighter, floral tea-based option popular in the 2026 cafe scene.
8. How should I store gelato in my home freezer?
Singaporean home freezers are often opened frequently, causing temperature fluctuations. To keep your gelato creamy:
- Store it in the very back of the freezer, which is the coldest and most stable spot.
- Avoid the freezer door.
- Press a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the gelato before closing the lid to prevent "freezer burn" (ice crystals forming on top).
9. What is the best way to serve gelato at home if it's too hard?
Since home freezers are kept much colder, your gelato will likely be rock-hard. Instead of microwaving it, let it sit in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before scooping. This "tempering" process allows it to soften evenly without melting the edges into a soup.
10. How long can I keep an open pint of gelato?
For the best texture and flavour, try to finish artisanal gelato within one to two weeks. Unlike commercial ice cream with preservatives, the delicate structure of gelato begins to degrade over time, leading to a grainy or "icy" texture as the small ice crystals merge into larger ones.
